Chanderkhani Malana Trek

Season: May to November

Overview

Chanderkhani though called a pass is not a mountain ‘pass’ as per the definitions in geography books. It is a mountain ridge that can be trekked up to top and then crossed to the other side. To one side of this mountain range lays the famous village of Naggar in main Kullu valley and to the other side is the lonely village of Malana in malana river valley. While traversing on the Chanderkhani you get mesmerized by the surrounding beauty. A 360 panoramic view – to the north twin peaks of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, to the west Dhauladhar mountain range, to the east peaks of Sptit – Dharamsura and Papsura and to the south lower green hills of Kullu and Parvati valley.

Stand on the Chanderkhani Pass …. the whole Kullu and Parvati valleys open before you !!!

DAY 1: Manali to Rumsu, (2135 m), 24km road, 4 hours Trek
A drive of 21 km from Manali to Nagar village on the left bank of river Beas. During your travel to Village Nagar yoy can explore the valley and its ancient temples at Jagatsukh and Nagar castle, Tripurasundri Temple, the art gallery of the Russian painter Roerich at Nagar village. From Nagar a walk up the steep trail to the village of Rumsu, traditional wooden houses with a picturesque village is worth to visit, a steep and a gradual walk beyond village Rumsu to reach at the Rumsuthach campsite.

DAY 2: Rumsu to Chiklani (2378 m) 5 hours Trek
From Rumsuthach the path goes steadily up through the forest of Oak, Popular, Pine, meadow of wild flowers and Rhododendron bushes to reach at a destination called Chiklani. The place is a beautiful campsite on open meadow just below the Chanderkhani Pass

DAY 3: Chiklani to Nagruni (3000 m) crossing Chandrakhani Pass (3660 m), 6 hours Trek
Today you climb to the Chanderkhani Pass. The pass has a gradual contour leading to the highest point and it remains snow bound till the end of the summer. It gives a thrill of crossing a mountain pass. From its highest point it offers an extensive view of the mountain peaks of Kullu and Lahoul Himalayas. Spending some time on the pass you climb down from the other side of the pass to reach Nagruni the next night halt Campsite down in the Malana Valley.

DAY 4: Nagruni to Malana and drive to Manali (2652 m), 6 hours Trek, 85 km road.
From Nagruni it is four hours trek to Malana Village. The village is famous for its distinct and fully reserved social and cultural set-up. The Malana people have a distinct language; and customs are curious pocket, aloof and closed unto themselves. The village has a unique system of administration. In fact, it is said to be the oldest republic still existent in India or for that matter anywhere in the world. After passing few hours at Malana exploring the village you further trek for 2 hours to reach the road head place down on the river side. You will be picked up by a vehicle that take back you to Manali.